Readarounds in Child and Youth Care

Rediscovering Pinocchio

Allan D. Nass

Carlo Collodi, the original author of The Adventures of Pinocchio,
said of himself, "I was the most irresponsible, the most disobedient,
and impudent boy in the whole school." With this realization, he
persuaded himself that he was losing the good will of teachers and the
friendship of fellow students. Then, he explained, "I too became a good
boy. I began to respect the others and they in turn respected me"
(Commire, 1971, p. 76). This article takes a fresh look at the
sophisticated lessons wrapped in this classic children’s tale.

The bedtime story ritual was well under way. The lights were turned down
low, and they cast a warm glow on the two young children who were tucked
snugly into their beds. Their covers were pulled up around their chins, and
their eyes were round with anticipation. The silence in the room was
palpable. "Keep reading, Daddy!" the 3-year old finally blurted out. I sat
on the edge of the bed staring at the book in my hands. The 6-year-old
chimed in, "Daddy, what’s wrong? You said you would read us Pinocchio." It
had suddenly occurred to me that the story I was reading was very different
from what I remembered from my own childhood.

I continued the story in my best Geppetto voice. "Do you see those
children?" I read, "They are going to school. Now that you are a little boy
and not a puppet, you must also go to school." My daughters rolled their
eyes and giggled at my accent. As I continued the story, I marveled at the
exquisite way in which the fable depicts the transition a child must make to
become a young man or woman. I was suddenly aware of all of the "Pinocchios"
I’ve known in my life. I also had forgotten how accurately this fairy tale
depicts the conflict in a youth searching for identity and the vital
importance of a reclaiming environment.

Pinocchio is the story of a troubled lad searching for self-worth,
self-esteem, and positive discipline. He is in desperate need of, and
unconsciously seeking, what the authors of Reclaiming Youth at Risk
described as a "circle of courage" (Brendtro, Brokenleg, & Van Bockern,
1990). Brendtro et al. drew from the teachings found in traditional Native
American wisdom, which identify independence, mastery, belonging, and
generosity as the universal ingredients necessary for positive childrearing.

The character of Pinocchio is that of an awkward youth snared by the
pitfalls of the adolescent stage of development. He is a vulnerable
adolescent who, in today’s world, would undoubtedly be labeled as a
maladaptive juvenile delinquent suffering from attention-deficit disorder,
lacking impulse control, and needing external controls and supervision.
Additionally, early childhood trauma, family disruption, a single-parent
home, and negative peer influences are clearly present as environmental risk
factors and precursors of Pinocchio’s straying misadventures.

Pinocchio does a remarkable job capturing the dynamic and contradictory
forces found in burgeoning youth everywhere. The idiosyncratic and ungainly
way in which teenagers grapple with decision making is a universal dilemma
that is clearly portrayed in this drama. It poignantly captures the
adolescent’s capacity to rationalize destructive and self-defeating
behavior. It was suddenly apparent to me that this fable provides a diagram
of the human psyche and offers a map for understanding the quandaries with
which many of its youngest members grapple.

An authoritative scholar of mythology, Joseph Campbell, recognized the
magic of classic children’s stories in capturing suffering, healing, and
unfathomed wonder (1972). These familiar fables possess magical and
spiritual symbolic and universal themes; they are permanent vestiges of the
human spirit. Campbell conjectured that the purpose of these old tales and
images is to keep us in touch with our "secret and motivating depths" (p.
24).

An Italian author, Carlo Collodi, wrote the famous children’s story
Le Avventure di Pinocchio (1883/1965) toward the end of his life. It is
an archetypal fairy tale of the inward conflict associated with the process
of change, growth, and development. It is also noteworthy that Pinocchio
contains the prescription to remedy these human dilemmas. Like many classic
stories, fables, and myths that have weathered the passage of time, it
carries the symbolic blueprint for social and emotional conflict and the
potential for resolution: Pinocchio has many unhappy adventures as he
progresses from his wooden and dependent state to true independence as a
real boy. He finally attains fulfillment and happiness when he completes his
symbolic quest for the psychological foundations of courage.

If you have forgotten some of the intricacies of this allegorical tale,
allow me to outline the main features. Pinocchio is the creation of a kindly
woodcarver named Geppetto. As a toy puppet, he is subject to the commands of
his maker. He is totally dependent on Geppetto, who makes him walk and dance
by manipulating his strings. Geppetto truly wants a real boy, so he makes a
wish, "Star light, Star bright. First star I see tonight. I wish I may, I
wish I might have the wish I wish tonight!" (Disney, 1986, p. 9). The Blue
Fairy appears, and with a wave of her magic wand makes his wish come true.
Blue is the symbolic color of divine intervention and represents the
intervening miracle of the gift of life.

Now Pinocchio has the freedom to move on his own. The fact that he is
still awkward and wooden typifies the transitional nature and uncertainty
found during the pubescent state. "You may be a real boy some day," the Blue
Fairy instructs, "but first, you must prove yourself brave, truthful, and
unselfish" (Disney, 1986, p. 14). This becomes the symbolic test that
Pinocchio must pass to prove himself worthy of achieving the rite of passage
from a dependent wooden toy to an authentic, independent person.

Besides his freedom, he is also given "that still, small voice" – a
conscience – in the form of a cricket named Jimmy, whose unwavering
commitment to Pinocchio is expressed through his consistent and dependable
comradeship. He hops tirelessly after Pinocchio to provide unconditional
acceptance, regard, and guidance. Jimmy models the vital reclaiming quality
of "presence" (Krueger, 1995).

Pinocchio begins his journey toward independence full of enthusiasm, good
intentions, and confidence. He immediately falls into trouble, however, as
he is influenced by circumstances and external influences. Like many youth
I’ve known, Pinocchio is driven by a strong need to fit in and be accepted.
He is led astray by mischievous friends. One such chum is a fox named J.
Worthington Foulfellow, who explains, "my friends call me Honest John"
(Disney, 1986, p. 28).

Lured by the temptation of instant gratification, Pinocchio quickly
forgets his original quest and is abruptly caught up in circumstances that
are beyond his ability to control. The wooden boy succumbs to the youthful
qualities of experimentation, narcissism, and rebellion. When his actions
lead to his being locked up in a cage, he responds by concocting elaborate
excuses laced with rationalization and lies.

It is at this point that the Blue Fairy intercedes in the youth’s
conflict cycle (Menninger, 1976; Powell, 1989; Wood & Long, 1991) by
facilitating self-discovery. Her problem-solving approach to Pinocchio’s
conflict is to engage him in a life-space interview (Redl & Wineman, 1952).
She conducts a highly empathetic interview that emphasizes the importance of
effective communication while recognizing that problems may be a catalyst
for positive change.

Her commitment to understanding Pinocchio’s version of the story conveys
a strong sense of acceptance, even as his nose continues to grow longer and
longer with every prevarication. "You see, Pinocchio," the Blue Fairy
explains, "A lie keeps growing and growing until it’s as plain as the nose
on your face" (Disney, 1986, p. 47). When confronted by the discouraging
results of his poor choices, Pinocchio is supported in learning from his
mistakes and offered opportunities for redemption.

Pinocchio faces another challenge when he is lured to Pleasure Island by
the promise of games, toys, and all the candy he can eat. As a result of his
unconscionable actions, he turns into a donkey. Once again Jimmy follows
Pinocchio to the source of the problem and intervenes in the crisis by
demonstrating unconditional acceptance, understanding, and nonjudgmental
guidance.

When Pinocchio returns from Pleasure Island, he learns that Geppetto,
while searching for him, was swallowed by Monstro the Whale. At the bottom
of the ocean Pinocchio finds Geppetto in the cavern-like belly of the whale.
He saves his father and carries him on his back to shore. When they arrive,
washed up on the beach, Geppetto discovers that Pinocchio is lying face down
and lifeless in the water.

Geppetto carries Pinocchio back to the village. He lays Pinocchio on his
bed and kneels by his side. "Little Pinocchio, you risked your life to save
me," sobs the old man, lowering his head in sorrow. The Blue Fairy appears
once again, waves her magic wand, and declares, "Now you have proven
yourself brave, truthful, and unselfish. Today you will become a real boy.
Awake, Pinocchio, awake!" (Disney, 1986, p. 92). Like countless other
time-honored tales, rebirth is symbolically manifested as a vital component
of the transformational process.

Surrounded by his family and friends, the lifeless wooden boy arises as a
living person. He is resurrected by the authentic trials and tribulations of
his experience and the reclaiming environment provided by those who care for
him. Redemption, forgiveness, and salvation are central themes of his
catharsis and are facilitated by the vital quality essential for reaching
troubled youth: the spirit of love (Brendtro & Ness, 1983). By demonstrating
perseverance over the tumultuous challenges of the growing up process,
Geppetto and Jimmy teach us that "love is exactly as strong as life"
(Campbell, 1972).

Pinocchio demonstrates how vitally important it is that children have
continuous support and guidance from caring adults. Despite the seemingly
inescapable problems Pinocchio faces, the guardians in his life continue to
place him in the center of their circle of support. Their persistence in
surrounding him with a reclaiming environment allows him to receive the
vital lessons from his struggles and challenges.

Despite the exhausting effort, the circle of committed and compassionate
caregivers in Pinocchio’s life never falter in providing respect for his
journey. By nurturing the positive qualities of healthy connection and
attachment, Pinocchio’s supporters find that a strong bonding takes place in
their relationship with Pinocchio. Through their actions, Geppetto and Jimmy
illustrate that creating a sense of belonging is a more essential need than
self-esteem or self-actualization (Maslow, 1962).

The story shows that until belongingness occurs, the development of a
healthy self-concept and conscience may not be achieved. This may suggest an
important clue for addressing the staggering increases in juvenile
delinquency, crime, and violence in our contemporary society. In the absence
of nurturing, consistent, and healthy relationships, children and youth will
seek out and find alternative attachments. Pinocchio’s realization of
interdependence with those who care for him is the culmination of his
journey.

The Polish physician, child advocate, and innovative educator, Janusz
Korczak (1878–1942) personified this absolute devotion to and respect for
children. Although he understood that childrearing is challenging and
exhausting work, he resisted the notion that we must eventually tire of
stooping to the child’s level of intellect. Instead, Korczak emphasized that
the real work is in having the courage to rise to the challenge of providing
greater sensitivity, understanding, inclusion, and involvement. He concluded
that the true accomplishment is when we learn to raise our experience of
troubled youth beyond the limits of blame, accusation, and threat to
embracing the most reluctant and resistant (1991a, 1991b). We must lift our
capacities to teach by example the indispensable principles of courage and
caring.

As I gazed upon the peaceful, sleeping faces of my own children and
quietly went about the business of turning out the lights, I found myself
genuinely admiring the colossal efforts of Geppetto and Jimmy in their
tireless pursuit of Pinocchio. Their child-centered commitment to him
conveys an ageless wisdom known by heroic parents, educators, and advocates
everywhere. The commitment to reclaim troubled youth is a covenant, a sacred
pact and responsibility toward caring for life’s most precious resource.